Ground anchors with compression plates

ABSTRACT

Ground anchors, in particular tent stakes ( 100 ), comprise one or more inherently flexible tines ( 110 ), a ground compression plate ( 160 ), and various tie points (420, etc.) for attaching a guy rope or the like to the top of anchor. The compression plate extends perpendicularly or at a large angle to the tine so that when the guy rope pulls on the anchor, the tine will tend to rotate about an underground fulcrum so that the compression plate will press against the ground and help the anchor resist pullout. The anchors are preferably driven into the ground with a hammer or mallet. The tie points include hooks ( 420 ), closed holes ( 520 ), and swivel types comprising vertical members ( 810 ) with restraining, bulbous tops ( 820 ). An additional spring tie point ( 1600 ) can be inserted into optional lugs ( 1094, 1096 ) in the compression plate. The stakes can be driven into the ground vertically, or at an angle for additional holding force in some situations. They can also incorporate angled compression plates ( 160 H,  160 I). The stakes can be manufactured by a variety of means in various materials such as glass-reinforced plastic and forged or stamped metal.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This is a continuation-in-part (CIP) of parent application Ser. No.10/989,960, Filed Nov. 15, 2004, which in turn is a CIP of grandparentapplication Ser. No. 08/923,443, Filed Sep. 4, 1997, now abandoned. Thegrandparent application claims priority of Australian application Ser.No. 36,761/97, filed Sep. 4, 1996.

BACKGROUND

1. Field of Invention

This invention relates generally to ground anchors and in particular totent pegs or stakes that are used to anchor tents and guy ropes to theground.

2. Prior-Art

Tent Stakes

Prior-art tent and guy rope stakes have generally taken the shape oflarge nails or pegs. They normally secure a tent at two or more places.Some hold the edges of the tent against the ground, and others anchorguy ropes attached to poles at distal ends of the tent. The stakes atthe tent's edge are driven nearly vertically into the ground. The guyanchor stakes are driven into the ground at an angle roughlyperpendicular to the axis of the rope, typically about 45 degrees. Whilethese stakes successfully secure a tent in mild weather conditions, theyare easily dislodged if the tent is exposed to wind or otherdisturbances. The force of the wind or other disturbance can reverse theinsertion path of stakes at the tent's edge and pull them out of theground. Guy ropes produce a moment of torque around the guy anchorstake's upper end, causing it to rotate and/or bend and tear through theground. This occurs because, although the lower end of the stake isgenerally buried in solid soil, the top end, which bears the majority ofthe load or pull, is in less compacted soil. As the size and weight ofthe tent increases, wind load and other forces render the holding forceof prior-art stakes insufficient.

Tray and Beverage Container Holder

In U.S. Pat. No. 5,713,546 (1998), Auspos teaches a foldable holder forbeverage containers and other items. The holder comprises a horizontaltray pivotally attached to a stake. In use, the tray is raised to alevel position, and the stake is driven vertically into the ground. Thetray remains supported above the ground at a convenient height fortemporary storage of drinks and other items. For carrying and storage,the tray is folded to a position against the stake.

While this apparatus is useful, it has no structure intended forsecuring a tent edge or guy rope. It is intended only for holding drinksand other items.

Various other ground anchors are known, but these also have poor holdingpower and other disadvantages, including large size, unwieldiness due toplural tines, and/or a complicated construction.

OBJECTS AND ADVANTAGES

Accordingly, one object and advantage of the present invention is toprovide an improved method and apparatus for anchoring objects to theground. Other objects and advantages are to provide an inexpensive andsimple apparatus, which is compact, and which resists pull-out andtearing of the ground.

Additional objects and advantages will become apparent from aconsideration of the drawings and ensuing description.

SUMMARY

In accordance with the present invention, a method and apparatus aredescribed that provide a simple and sturdy ground anchor. In thepreferred embodiment the ground anchor has a single narrow tine with acompression plate attached orthogonally to the upper part of the tine.The tine is driven into the ground until the plate contacts the ground.When the top of the tine is under load, e.g., due to pull from a guyline or a tent canvas, the plate compresses the ground around theanchor, limiting movement of the top of the anchor. In response to thislimited movement, the upper portion of the anchor flexes slightly due tothe inherent springiness of the tine and the depth-limited movement ofthe lower part of the tine. When the load is removed, the anchorspringably returns to its original condition. The lower portion remainssecured in the ground, thus reducing the anchor's tendency to slip outor tear the ground into which it is inserted. The narrow tine, and itsinherent flexability, combine to ensure that any stiffness or rigidity,two attributes that cause a prior-art stake to fail, are not present inthis novel design.

DRAWINGS—FIGURES

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of a groundanchor of the invention.

FIG. 2 shows the embodiment of FIG. 1 with an added hook.

FIG. 3 shows a side view of the embodiment of FIG. 2 under load, and theregion of soil compression beneath the compression plate and behind thetine.

FIG. 4 shows a first alternative embodiment.

FIG. 5 shows a second alternative embodiment.

FIGS. 6 and 7 show a third alternative embodiment.

FIG. 8 shows a fourth alternative embodiment with spring clips.

FIG. 9 shows a fifth alternative embodiment with an attached spring.

FIG. 10 shows a sixth alternative embodiment with two tines.

FIGS. 11 and 12 show a seventh alternative embodiment in the form of anexpansion plate, with the expansion plate affixed to the embodiment ofFIG. 1.

FIGS. 13-15 show an eighth alternative embodiment with adjustable-heightcompression plates, and tines with star-shaped, circular, and squarecross-sections.

FIG. 16 shows an eleventh embodiment: the embodiment of FIG. 1 with anadded spring.

FIG. 17 shows a detail of the spring in FIG. 16.

FIG. 18 shows the spring of FIGS. 16 and 17 in use and partiallyextended.

FIG. 19 shows the spring of FIGS. 16 and 17 in use and fully extended.

FIG. 20 shows an alternative mounting and spring in the embodiment ofFIG. 10.

DRAWINGS—REFERENCE NUMERALS

100 Stake 110 Tine 120 Bend 130 First descending portion 135 Seconddescending portion 140 Tip 150 Tip 160 Plate 170 Attachment 200 Hook 300Fulcrum 310 Compressed region 320 Compressed region 400 Gusset 410 Hook420 Hook 430 Hook 440 Top 450 Hole 510 Tie point 520 Tie point 530 Tiepoint 540 Gusset 600 Neck 610 Top 700 Arm 800 Joint 810 Neck 820 Top 900Top 910 Hole 920 Hole 940 Hole 950 Hole 960 Gusset 970 Weld 1000 Tine1010 Tine 1020 Bend 1030 Bend 1040 Bend 1050 Attachment 1060 Attachment1070 Hook 1080 Bar 1090 Attachment 1092 Attachment 1094 Lug 1096 Lug1100 Extension plate 1105 Lug 1110 Lug 1115 Stop 1120 Stop 1125 Stop1130 Stop 1135 Notch 1300 Plate 1310 Stake 1315 Foot 1320 Support 1325Attachment 1330 Gusset 1340 Hole 1350 Hole 1600 Spring 1610 Finger 1620Finger 1630 Finger 1640 Finger 1650 Bend 1660 Bend 1670 Ridge 1800 Rope

DETAILED DESCRIPTION—PREFERRED EMBODIMENT—FIGS. 1-3

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a ground anchor, peg, prong, or stake100 (stake) according to the present invention.

Stake 100 is formed into an inverted “J” shape comprising an ascendingportion or tine 110, a bend or bight loop or portion 120, and first andsecond coaxial descending portions 130 and 135, respectively. Portions110, 130, and 135 are preferably straight. A first elongated tine,comprising ascending portion 110 has a first sharpened tip 140 thatfacilitates insertion into the ground (not shown). Tip 140 can bewedge-shaped with a single flat side as shown in FIG. 1, with two flatsides as in FIG. 2 (140A), or pointed as shown in FIG. 4 (140B), forexample. Portions 130 and 135 preferably are bent 150 degrees so as toform a 30-degree angle with tine 110.

Descending portion 135 forms a second shortened tine, generallycontiguous with portion 130, below plate 160. Portion 135 terminates ina second sharpened tip 150. When inserted into the ground (not shown),portion 135 prevents rotation of stake 100 around the axis of tine 100.

Tine 100 is preferably round in cross-section, although elliptical,square, rectangular, star-shaped, and other cross-sections will work aswell. The diameter of tine 100 is preferably 8 mm and its length fromtip 140 to bend 120 is 30 cm. The lengths of descending portions 130 and135 are 5 cm. Stake 100 and plate 160 are made of steel, aluminum,glass-reinforced plastic (GRP), or another structural material.

A compression plate (plate) 160 is secured about half-way downdescending portions 130 and 135 (if present, see below) by a weld,adhesive joint, or similar attachment 170. The plane of plate 160 isperpendicular to the axis of ascending portion 100. Plate 160 ispreferably about 8 cm by 2 mm thick. As with tine 100, plate 160 is madeof steel, aluminum, GRP, or another structurally strong material whichcan be bonded to portion 130. Plate 160 and bight loop or portion 120 ofthe stake above plate 160 form a closed attachment loop, eye, or noose.

Tine 110 is preferably straight, or it may be curved. The inherentflexibility of tine 110 is determined by its diameter, its length, andthe material of which it is made. The material of which tine 110 is madeis normally stiff. The relatively long length and small diameter resultsin a structure which is springable under heavy load, but returns to itsoriginal shape when the load is removed.

FIGS. 2 and 3 show modifications of the preferred embodiment. In FIG. 2,a hook or lug 200 has been added to or punched partially out of plate160A, descending portion 135 has been eliminated, and tip 140A is awedge with two flats. In FIG. 3, stake 100B is the same as stake 100 inFIG. 1, except descending portion 135 has been eliminated.

The embodiments in FIGS. 1-3 are preferably made of mild steel with acorrosion-resistant coating such as hot-dipped galvanizing. They areused for tent staking in all soil types.

OPERATION—PREFERRED EMBODIMENT—FIG. 3

The user normally inserts tine 110 (FIG. 3) of stake 100B verticallyinto the ground (not shown), as far as possibly by hand force. Then theydrive the stake home by hammering the top of bend 120, forcing tine 110downward into the ground until plate 160 rests firmly on the ground,slightly compacting the soil beneath. Sharpened tip 140 (and 150 fromFIG. 1, if present) facilitates insertion. A rope, cable, or hawser issecured to the eye between plate 160 and bend 120.

Because of its relatively small diameter, stake 100 is slightlyflexible. When a load force is applied to stake 100 in the directionshown by the arrow, stake 100 attempts to rotate clockwise in responseto the torque around a fulcrum point 300. The upper portion of tine 110deviates from its previously straight condition, indicated by the dashedline extending upward from fulcrum 300. When surrounded by tightlycompacted soil, any movement of stake 100 is limited to a compactionregion 310 above fulcrum point 300. Tine 110 preferably flexes as muchas five degrees under extreme-pull load conditions, and then springablyreturns to its original condition when the load is removed. Thus twofactors (compaction area 310 and the springiness of the tine) combine toincrease the efficiency of stake 100 over prior-art designs.

Plate 160 also compresses the soil to limit movement, while inherentlyflexible tine 110 allows whatever movement is induced by the load forceto be dissipated above fulcrum point 300. Shaded areas 310 and 320respectively indicate first and second compressed regions of soilbeneath plate 160, and behind tine 110 which resist the torque aroundfulcrum point 300. The portion of tine 110 lying below fulcrum point 300does not move or flex under normal load conditions. Stake 100 is thusrendered immobile in the direction of the applied load.

If present, descending portion 135 lying beneath plate 160 is alsoforced into the ground, and acts to prevent rotation of stake 100 aboutthe axis of tine 110.

Stake 100 can be used to prevent fly-away of a tent edge (not shown).Stake 100 is inserted into the ground approximately 15 cm from the tentedge. A rope or line (not shown) is attached to each generally availablegrommet or tab on the tent edge. The other end of the rope is secured tostake 100. In this configuration, the load on stake 100 is nearlyhorizontal. A secure tether results.

If stake 100 is used to secure a guy or hawser (not shown), the rope ispassed through the eye of stake 100. Stake 100 is oriented so that theaxis of the guy rope lies in the plane containing tine 110 anddescending portion 130 of stake 100. The rope is arranged to pull in adirection away from tine 110 and toward descending portion 130. Thetension in the rope creates a clockwise moment of torque centered nearfulcrum 300. This torque acts to force the outermost edge of plate 160downward, thereby compressing the ground below plate 160 in region 310.The torque also forces tine 110 against the ground in region 320 in adirection away from the rope's pull. Alternatively the rope can behooked over hook 200 of FIG. 2.

Angled Insertion of Stake 100

For acute vertical angle loads, tine 110 can be inserted into the groundat an angle such that tip 140 lies closer to the anchoring force, andbend 120 lies farther away. Stake 100 is still fully inserted into theground, up to the bottom of plate 160.

In this position, plate 160 is forced downward into the ground and plate160 and tine 110 compress the ground in the direction of the appliedforce. The result is a stronger anchorage than would be obtained with avertical insertion of tine 110 in this situation.

DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION—FIRST ALTERNATIVE EMBODIMENT—FIG. 4

A first alternative embodiment, stake 100C, is shown in FIG. 4.Compression plate 160B is secured to tine 110A by a weld, crimp, glue,threads, or other attachment joint 170A. Joint 170A may be either aboveor below plate 160B, or extend above and below plate 160B. Plate 160B issupported from beneath by a strut or gusset 400. Instead of a joinedplurality of components, stake 100A can be cast as a unit. Tine 110Aterminates in a sharpened tip 140A. However a wedge-shaped tip such as140 (FIG. 1) or 140A (FIG. 2) can also be used.

The top portion of stake 100C above plate 160B includes tie pointscomprising one or more hooks 410, 420, and 430. The top 440 of stake100C is flat to accommodate striking of stake 100A by a hammer ormallet. The top 440 of stake 100C optionally includes a hole 450 forinsertion of a rod, for example a flag mast. The diameter and depth ofhole 450 are preferably 0.5 cm and 2 cm, respectively. The bottom end ofstake 100C terminates in a sharpened tip 140B.

The embodiment of FIG. 4 operates generally in the same manner as thatof FIGS. 1-3, except that it has several alternative attachment members(hooks) instead of the eye of FIG. 3.

This embodiment is preferably made of GRP. It is best used for tentstaking in sand or friable soil.

DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION—SECOND ALTERNATIVE EMBODIMENT—FIG. 5

A second alternative embodiment, stake 100D, is shown in FIG. 5. Thisembodiment is similar to the one described above, except additionalstructural elements are provided. A gusset 540 is added between the topof plate 160C and the top portion of stake 100D. Hooks 410 and 430 areeliminated, and additional tie points comprising holes 510, 520, and 530are provided.

As in the first alternative embodiment, stake 100D can be driven intothe ground by force applied by the user's foot, or by hammer blows totop 440 of stake 100D. As above, the top 440 of stake 100D optionallyincludes a hole 442 for insertion of a mast such as a flag support. Thediameter and depth of hole 442 are preferably 0.5 cm, and 2 cm,respectively.

The embodiment of FIG. 5 operates similarly to that of FIG. 4. It ispreferably made of GRP. It is best used for tent staking in sand orfriable soil.

DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION—THIRD ALTERNATIVE EMBODIMENT—FIGS. 6 & 7

A third alternative embodiment, stake 100E, is shown in FIGS. 6 and 7. Acircular plate 160D is secured to tine 110B by one or more of theattachment means described above. Neck 600 extends upward from plate160D to form a loop-over tie point. Neck 600 is topped or capped by alarger top 610. The upper side of top 610 is flat or nearly-flat. Thediameter of neck 600 is preferably one centimeter, while that of top 610is preferably about 3 cm. A rope having a loop end (not shown) is loopedover top 610 and secured to neck 600 so that the rope is free to swivelaround the axis of stake 100E, yet it is prevented from slipping off bytop 610.

In FIG. 7, a second tie point 700 extends from top 610 downward to plate160D.

Top 610 in FIG. 6 or 7 can be used as a foot platform for forcing stake100E into the ground. Alternatively, top 610 can be struck with a hammeror mallet. As above, stake 100E terminates in a sharpened wedge or point140B at its bottom end.

Stake 100E can be used to secure an animal (not shown), for example. Arope (not shown) is looped around neck 600 and tied. The other end ofthe rope is attached to the animal's collar (not shown). The animal isfree to move within its prescribed radius without winding the ropearound the stake. The presence of tie point 700 in FIG. 7 restrictsrotation of the rope to less than 360 degrees.

This embodiment is particularly well-suited to manufacture by molding inGRP, or forged or cast aluminum or other metal. It is best suited forstaking out most tent bases.

In lieu of a circular plate 160D, the plate can be oval, triangular,square, rectangular, hexagonal, etc.

DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION—FOURTH ALTERNATIVE EMBODIMENT—FIG. 8

FIG. 8 shows a fourth alternative embodiment, stake 100F. Compressionplate 160E is preferably circular, but again may be square, triangular,elliptical, or another planar shape. The circular shape providescompression of the ground in all directions around stake 100F. Plate160E is secured to tine 100C at joint 800 by one or more of theattachment means described above. Stake 100F continues upward aboveplate 160E in a neck 810 and a bulbous top 820. Top 820 permits atie-point rope (not shown) secured around neck 810 to swivel around theaxis of stake 100F, while preventing the rope from slipping off thestake. Hammer blows applied to the top of bulb 820 drive stake 100F intothe ground. As with the previously-discussed embodiment, stake 100Fterminates at its bottom end in a sharpened wedge or point 140B. Tine100C can be of circular, elliptical, or other cross-section. Other-thancircular cross-sections cause stake 100F to resist rotating around theaxis of tine 110C. Stake 100F is also amenable to manufacture in GRP orforged metal.

This embodiment is best suited to heavy duty anchoring in sand orfriable soil. For example, it can be used for securing a beach umbrellafrom fly-away.

DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION—FIFTH ALTERNATIVE EMBODIMENT—FIG. 9

A fifth alternative, industrial-grade embodiment is shown in FIG. 9.Stake 100G includes a single tine 110D with a flat top 900. As above,the length and diameter of tine 110D are preferably 30 cm and one cm,respectively. The actual size will vary depending on the load to beanchored. Holes 910 and 920 provide convenient tie point points. Asharpened point 140B facilitates insertion into the ground (not shown).

A rectangular plate 160F incorporates a right-angle bend 930, andincludes further tie point holes 940 and 950. Plate 160F is preferably 6cm wide and extends about 8 cm away from tine 110D. The upper portion ofplate 160F is about 3 cm high. Plate 160F is affixed to tine 110D by aweld or other attachment (not shown). Plate 160F is supported from belowby a gusset 960 secured to tine 110D by an attachment or weld 970, andfurther attached to the bottom of plate 160F by another weld orattachment (not shown).

Tine 100D is driven into the ground by hammer blows to top 900 untilplate 160F is in contact with the ground. One or more hawsers are tiedthrough one or more of holes 910, 920, 940, and 950.

This embodiment is intended for heavy duty applications such as supportfor vineyard “straining posts”, for example. It is preferably made ofmild steel.

DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION—SIXTH ALTERNATIVE EMBODIMENT—FIG. 10

FIG. 10 shows a sixth alternative embodiment. take 100H comprises twotines 1000 and 1010 formed from a single rod containing bends 1020,1030, and 1040 which together form a 180-degree bend or bight portionconnecting tines 1000 and 1010 together. Bends 1020 and 1040 are about33.5 degrees from their respective tines 1000 and 1010, and bend 1030forms an angle of about 67 degrees. A square plate 160G is attached totines 1000 and 1010 near bends 1020 and 1040 by welds or attachments1050 and 1060, respectively. Bends 1020 and 1040 are preferably 30degrees with respect to the lower portions of tines 1000 and 1010. Theinternal angle of bend 1030 depends on the spacing of tines 1000 and1010 and is preferably about 80 degrees. These angles will varyslightly, depending on the size of stake 100H. A tie-off bar 1080 iswelded to tines 1000 and 1010 by welds or attachments 1090 and 1092between bends 1030 and 1040, and 1020 and 1030, respectively. Plate 160Gincorporates an optional hook 1070.

Plate 160G further includes optional lugs 1094 and 1096 for securing aspring, as described below. Plate 160G can be stamped in a singleoperation.

The presence of two parallel tines 1000 and 1010 ensures that stake 100Hwill not rotate. The addition of a second tine also increases theholding power of stake 100H over one with a single tine.

This embodiment is preferably used for heavy duty tent, tarpaulin, orsimilar staking in sand, friable soil, or firm ground, particularly inwindy conditions.

DESCR. & OPERATION—SEVENTH ALT. EMBOD.—EXPANSION PLATE—FIGS. 11 & 12

In loose or friable soil a larger-than-normal compression plate willfunction better. A separate metal or plastic plate is attached to theexisting, smaller plate. FIG. 11 shows such a plate 1100. Plate 1100 isattached under plate 160, as shown in FIG. 12 and preferably is 15 cmsquare, but can be larger or smaller as required.

Plate 1100 includes lugs 1105 and 1110, stops 1115, 1120, 1125, and1130, and an optional notch 1135. Stops 1115 and 1120 normally project asmall distance above the plane of plate 1100.

Plate 1100 slidably mounts under plate 160 as shown in FIG. 12. Whenplate 160 is fully inserted into lugs 1105 and 1110, stops 1115 and 1120prevent further engagement. Stops 1125 and 1130 are then forced upward,resting against the trailing edge of plate 160, thereby preventing anyfurther movement of plate 1100 with respect to plate 160.

Notch 1135 permits insertion of plate 1100 past descending portion 135(if present) of stake 100 (FIG. 1).

This embodiment provides improved stake performance, specifically of thestakes shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, in friable soil.

DESCR. & OP.—EIGHTH ALT. EMBOD.—ADJ.-POSTN. COMP./SUPRT. PLATE—FIGS.13-15

The above embodiments show compression plates fixedly attached to tines.Fixed attachment requires the tine to be driven into the ground apredetermined distance to seat the plate on the ground. FIGS. 13-15 showan adjustable-position support plate assembly 1300 that permits drivinga stake 1310 variable distances into the ground (as necessary) beforeseating the plate on the ground.

Plate 1300 comprises a circular foot plate 1315, and a star-shaped,tubular support 1320. Support 1320 is secured to foot 1315 by welds,other attachments, or thickly cast regions 1325. This combined structureis strengthened by gussets 1330 which are attached to foot 1315 andsupport 1320.

The cross-section of stake 1310 is star-shaped, comprising threesections oriented at 120-degree increments about the axis.

Support 1320 incorporates one or more holes 1340. Stake 1310 alsoincorporates a plurality of holes 1350. If support 1320 contains two ormore holes 1340, then their spacing optionally matches the spacing ofholes 1350 on stake 1310.

Stake 1310 is first driven the desired distance into the ground (notshown). Then tubular support 1320 is made to engage stake 1310 and isslidably moved downward until the underside of foot 1315 rests on theground. One or more holes 1340 are then aligned with one or more holes1350. Finally, one or more bolts, pins, screws, cotter pins, dowel pins,clevis pins, etc. (not shown) are inserted through the aligned holes.Plate 1300 is thus rigidly secured to stake 1310.

A minor upward adjustment in the position of plate 1300 may be requiredif holes 1340 and 1350 are not aligned while foot 1315 rests on theground. If so, the nearest holes can be pinned, and stake 1310 can laterbe driven a small distance farther into the ground.

The central openings of plates 1300A and 1300B in FIGS. 14 and 15,respectively, are circular and square, respectively, to accommodatestakes of circular and square cross-sections. Gussets 1330 areeliminated in FIG. 15.

Stakes 1310, 1310A, and 1310B optionally incorporate tie point holes1355, 1355A, and 1355B, respectively. They can also include hooks (notshown), if required.

This embodiment features attachment collars for fitting to pickets toimprove performance in sand, friable soil, or firm ground. It is usedfor temporary or permanent fencing and military purposes. The stakes arepreferably made of square timber, plastic, or steel.

DESCR. & OPERATION—NINTH ALTERNATIVE EMBOD.—INCORP. SPRING—FIGS. 16-20

FIG. 16 shows the embodiment of FIG. 1 with the addition of an optionalspring 1600. Spring 1600 is used as a tie point. The flexibility ofspring 1600 allows some resilience in the restraint of a tie-off rope(FIGS. 19 and 20). This resilience absorbs some energy from impulsiveforces so as to decrease the likelihood of forcibly jerking anddislodging the stake, in this case stake 100, by the tie-off rope.

Spring 1600 is shown in more detail in FIG. 17. It is preferably between2 and 4 cm in length, 1 cm in width, and made of spring steel. Itincludes fingers 1610, 1620, 1630, and 1640, a first bend 1650, and asecond bend 1660, and a ridge 1670. Ridge 1670 increases the strength ofspring 1600.

Spring 1600 is held in place by lugs 1094 and 1096 (FIG. 16) which areformed into plate 160J. Spring 1600 is inserted into plate 160J, firstthrough lug 1096, then through lug 1094. Fingers 1610 and 1620temporarily bend downward as they pass through lugs 1094 and 1096, thenspring upward away from plate 160J after passing through lug 1096. Intheir upward positions, fingers 1610, 1620, 1630, and 1640 secure spring1600 firmly between lugs 1094 and 1096.

Spring 1600 is shown in use in FIGS. 18 and 19. Guy or anchor rope 1800loops around spring 1600 at bend 1610. When the load is relativelysmall, spring 1600 applies a restraining force which keeps rope 1800 atthe first position shown in FIG. 18. When the load is larger, spring1600 extends and allows rope 1800 to travel a small distance to thesecond position shown in FIG. 19. Rope 1800 is prevented from movingbeyond the second position, however. This resilience in restraint ofrope 1800 absorbs some energy when the rope is pulled abruptly toprevent impulsive forces from dislodging stake 100.

FIG. 20 shows an alternative mounting of a similar spring 1600′. In thiscase, hook 17 is eliminated from the anchor of FIG. 10. Spring 1600′ issecured to by lugs 1094 and 1096. Spring 1600′ is slightly longer thanspring 1600 (FIGS. 16-19). When in tension, as shown in the brokenlines, spring 1600′ causes plate to be forced against the ground,providing a secure anchor.

FIG. 20 shows an alternative mounting of a similar spring 1600′. In thiscase, hook 17 is eliminated from the anchor of FIG. 10. Spring 1600′ issecured to by lugs 1094 and 1096. Spring 1600′ is slightly longer thanspring 1600 and extends through the rear of the anchor, as apposed tothe front of the compression plate, providing a different but moreeffective result in this situation (FIGS. 16-19). When in tension, asshown in the broken lines, spring 1600′ causes plate to be forcedagainst the ground, providing a secure anchor. The embodiment of FIG. 20is more suitable for securing heavier and more vertical loads, such asannex walls, and large canvas tents.

CONCLUSION, RAMIFICATIONS, AND SCOPE

The reader will see that the present stake system provides novel methodsand apparatuses for anchoring articles firmly to the ground. When thestake is fully inserted, the compression plate first compresses the soilaround the stake. When a load pulls against the stake, the compressionplate further compresses the soil beneath, thereby strengthening theholding power of the stake. Numerous configurations of the stakeaccommodate a wide variety of soils. A narrow, inherently flexible stakesecures objects in sand, for example. Multiple tines prevent rotation ofthe stake. Tine cross-sections other than circular reduce the tendencyof the stake to rotate. Stakes can be driven into hard soil with ahammer or mallet. A variety of tie point configurations secure ropes forvarious needs. Some tie points are open, others are closed. A swiveldesign permits free-swiveling motion of a tie-off rope.

While the above description contains many specificities, these shouldnot be considered limiting but merely exemplary. Many variations andramifications are possible. For example instead of metal or GRP, thestakes can be made of wood or rigid plant shoots. More or fewer, largerand smaller tie points can be used. Although use with tents and the likeis described, many other uses are possible including providing groundanchors for boats and other vehicles, balloons, and so forth. The partscan be attached together by means other than lugs or welds, such asstaking, adhesive, integral forming, etc. The plate can be attached tothe tine at an angle of 90 degrees or an acute angle. The spring (FIG.16) can be a coil or other type of spring. The dimensions can be variedwidely. Adjustable-height support plates can be oval, square,rectangular, star-shaped, or other shapes instead of circular. Insteadof holes in both the plates and stake, set screws can be provided in theplate which can be tightened against the stake at any vertical position.Instead of being attached to the compression plate, the upper, tubularportion of the compression plate can be a separate part which can pressdown on the compression plate, securing the compression plate inposition. The tine(s) can be slightly curved instead of straight.

While the present system employs elements which are well known to thoseskilled in the art of ground anchor design, it combines these elementsin a novel way which produces new results not heretofore discovered.Accordingly the scope of this invention should be determined, not by theembodiments illustrated, but by the appended claims and their legalequivalents.

1. A ground anchor stake, comprising: a. at least one elongated tinewith top and bottom ends and a tip at said bottom end, b. a compressionplate fixed near said top end of said tine, said plate being oriented atan angle to said tine, said angle being 90 degrees or acute, c. at leastone tie point near said top of said tine, whereby said tip of said tinecan be driven into the ground until said plate contacts said ground, sothat said plate will aid said stake in resisting pullout from saidground.
 2. The anchor of claim 1 wherein said tip is selected from thegroup consisting of pointed and wedge-shaped members.
 3. The anchor ofclaim 1 wherein a second shortened tine extends beneath said plate. 4.The anchor of claim 1 wherein said angle is 90 degrees.
 5. The anchor ofclaim 1 wherein the said angle is acute.
 6. The plate of claim 5 whereinsaid compression plate includes a portion that lies in a planeperpendicular to the axis of said tine.
 7. The anchor of claim 1 furtherincluding an expansion plate affixed to said compression plate, saidexpansion plate being larger than said compression plate.
 8. The anchorof claim 7 wherein said expansion plate is made of a material selectedfrom the group consisting of metal and plastic.
 9. The anchor of claim1, further including a spring affixed to said compression plate.
 10. Theanchor of claim 1 wherein said stake is made of a material selected fromthe group consisting of metal and plastic.
 11. The anchor of claim 1further including a bight loop formed in the intersection between saidcompression plate and said top of said tine.
 12. The anchor of claim 1further including at least one hook extending from a position near saidtop end of said tine, and lying above said compression plate.
 13. Theanchor of claim 1 wherein said tie point comprises a neck and a top,both lying above said compression plate.
 14. The anchor of claim 13wherein said tie point further includes a second tie point extendingfrom said top downward to said compression plate.
 15. The anchor ofclaim 1 wherein said tie point comprises at least one hole.
 16. Theanchor of claim 15 wherein said hole is located in said compressionplate.
 17. The anchor of claim 15 wherein said hole is located in saidtine, above said compression plate.
 18. The anchor of claim 1 whereinsaid tie point is a tie-off bar.
 19. The anchor of claim 1 wherein saidtie point is a hook extending from the top surface of said compressionplate.
 20. The anchor of claim 1 wherein said tine further includes atleast one first hole into which a pin can be inserted, said compressionplate further includes a tubular portion attached to a top side of saidcompression plate and provided with at least one second hole foraccommodating said pin so that said pin attaches said compression plateto said tine yet can be slidably moved up and down on said tine, wherebysaid tine can be driven a variable distance into the ground and saidcompression plate slidably moved downward on said tine until saidcompression plate contacts said ground, and said pin is inserted intosaid first and second holes, thereby holding said compression plateagainst said ground.
 21. The anchor of claim 20 wherein thecross-section of said tine is selected from the group consisting ofstar-shaped, round, and square.
 22. A method for anchoring a pull loadto the ground, comprising: providing a stake with at least one elongatedtine with a tip, providing a compression plate attached to said tinenear the top of said tine, said compression plate forming an angle of 90degrees or an acute angle with said tine, providing at least one tiepoint near the top of said tine, driving said tip into the ground untilsaid plate contacts said ground, attaching a pull load to said tiepoint, whereby said plate will aid said stake in resisting pullout fromsaid ground.
 23. The method of claim 22 wherein said tip is selectedfrom the group consisting of pointed and wedge-shaped members.
 24. Themethod of claim 22, further including a second shortened tine extendingbeneath said compression plate.
 25. The method of claim 22 wherein saidangle is 90 degrees.
 26. The method of claim 22 wherein said angle isacute.
 27. The plate of claim 26 wherein said compression plate includesa portion that lies in a plane perpendicular to the axis of said tine.28. A ground anchor comprising: a. a stake including at least oneelongated tine having bottom and top ends with a tip at said bottom end,b. ground compression means attached to said tine for compressing saidground adjacent said tine, said plate forming an angle of 90 degrees oracute with said tine, c. tie point means near said top end of saidstake, whereby when said tip of said tine is driven into said ground,said plate will aid said stake in resisting pullout from said ground.